On Tuesday, Russia's lower house of parliament approved in the third and final reading a bill banning smoking in public places. The ban, which comes into effect on June 1, was passed by a 441 to one vote.

      The bill provides for a gradual ban on smoking in public, including government buildings, healthcare and educational facilities, cultural sites, stadiums and public transport. The amendment banning the so-called smoking lounges at workplaces, was not included into the bill's final version.

      It also imposes a complete ban on tobacco advertising and prohibits tobacco companies from organizing promo actions with tobacco prizes and sponsoring public events and competitions. Tobacco production can't be sold in small shops and stalls, and in supermarkets it must be placed out of sight.

      Some of the bill's provisions, including a total ban on smoking in trains and hotels, will come into effect one year later.

      Russia signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control with the World Health Organization in 2008. This obliges Russia to enact tougher restrictions on tobacco by 2015.